Nuclear Law Education Resources

The Nuclear Energy Agency has published a number of books and reports that not only contribute to the NEA’s mission to serve as a leading centre for nuclear law information but are also valuable resources for the NEA’s nuclear law education programmes.

Principles and Practice of International Nuclear Law (2022)

Principles and Practice of International Nuclear Law Cover

Principles and Practice of International Nuclear Law examines the various interrelated legal issues for the safe, efficient and secure use of nuclear energy. It provides an overview of the complex body of laws and legal regimes in international nuclear law, as well as the many developments that have unfolded in recent years impacting all aspects of nuclear safety, security, safeguards and liability. It also gives a concise overview of the main international institutions, and addresses such issues as radiological protection, nuclear safety, environmental protection, nuclear transport, nuclear security, safeguards, nuclear third party liability and compensation for nuclear damage, insurance, nuclear trade and project development.

The articles in Principles and Practice of International Nuclear Law are largely authored by lecturers at the International School of Nuclear Law (ISNL), which was established in 2001 by the NEA in co-operation with the University of Montpellier and which benefits from the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency. For over 20 years the ISNL has offered a unique educational opportunity to the next generation of nuclear professionals from more than 100 countries.

The Legal Frameworks for Long-Term Operation of Nuclear Power Reactors (2019)

Legal Frameworks for Long-Term Operation of Nuclear Power Reactors Cover

With almost 70% of the operating nuclear power reactors over 30 years of age, countries around the world are assessing whether to allow reactor operation past the 50-60 year mark and potentially up to 80 years. Ensuring a proper legal framework for the long-term operation (LTO) of nuclear power reactors is a key component of such considerations.

The aim of this report is to provide insights into the various laws, regulations and policies that contribute to different countries’ approaches to LTO. By collecting information from more than 20 NEA member and non-member countries, this report highlights both commonalities among approaches as well as possible reasons for variations. Ultimately, the information gathered can serve as a vital resource for future exchanges respecting the legal aspects of LTO, with a view to further development and strengthening of the collective understanding of these issues.

Japan’s Compensation System for Nuclear Damage (2012)

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Following the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident, extraordinary efforts were undertaken in Japan to implement a compensation scheme for the proper and efficient indemnification of the affected victims. This publication provides English translations of key Japanese legislative and administrative texts and other implementing guidance, as well as several commentaries by Japanese experts in the field of third party nuclear liability.

The NEA has prepared this publication in co-operation with the government of Japan to share Japan’s recent experience in implementing its nuclear liability and compensation regime. The material presented in the publication should provide valuable insights for those wishing to better understand the regime applied to compensate the victims of the accident and for those working on potential improvements in national regimes and the international framework for third party nuclear liability.

International Nuclear Law: History, Evolution and Outlook (2010)

International Nuclear Law  History, Evolution and Outlook Cover

This publication commemorates the International School of Nuclear Law, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2010. The purpose of the publication is to provide an overview of the international nuclear law instruments, their background, content and development over the years and to present an outlook on future needs in the field of international nuclear law.

Renowned experts in the nuclear law field contributed scholarly papers on the various aspects of international nuclear law, including international institutions, protection against ionising radiation, nuclear safety, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and safeguards, nuclear security, transport of nuclear material and fuel, management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, liability, compensation and insurance for nuclear damages, environmental protection and international trade in nuclear material and equipment. This publication is dedicated to the school’s 500+ alumni from all around the world.

International Nuclear Law in the Post-Chernobyl Period (2006)

International Nuclear Law in the Post-Chernobyl Period Cover

The accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986 heightened awareness of the need to improve the international legal framework governing the safe and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Numerous legal instruments have subsequently been adopted.

This compendium examines the developments which have taken place in international nuclear law since 1986. It reproduces a number of articles which have been published in the NEA Nuclear Law Bulletin, accompanied by some previously unpublished works. The principal legal instruments examined in this publication govern early notification and assistance in the event of a nuclear accident, nuclear safety, the safety of radioactive waste and spent fuel, and nuclear liability and compensation.